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Pires ready to sign for Villa for 'at least six months'

Robert Pires has trained with Arsenal for two months © Getty Images

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Robert Pires has thanked his former manager at Arsenal, Arsene Wenger, for making possible his unexpected return to the Premier League with Aston Villa.

Pires, 37, will sign for Villa on a free transfer later this week if he successfully completes medical tests and agrees the finer points of his contract, marking an unexpected Premier League rejuvenation for a player who has spent the past four seasons in Spain with Villarreal.

Like Sol Campbell before him, Pires has been training with Arsenal in order to maintain his fitness and says Wenger's willingness to welcome him back to the club was crucial in proving to Villa he was worthy of a contract.

"I just have to convince the team doctor and I hope to sign before the end of the week," Pires told The Sun. "It would be for six months or longer, but there are still some things to sort out.

"I've been training with Arsenal for two months and I'm happy and in good form. I would like to thank Arsene Wenger - because of him I'm going to be able to experience the highest level again."

France coach Laurent Blanc, who like Pires was a member of the squads that triumphed at the 1998 World Cup and Euro 2000, has said the midfielder will be a good recruit for Villa, despite his advancing years.

"If Gerard Houllier has made the decision, then Pires can offer something. He will not be wrong," Blanc said. "Pires may be getting on in years but still has the skill and technique to bring something to the party at Aston Villa."

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